Thelma Osatohanmwen
The Lagos State government has issued a 30-day final notice to owners and occupiers of residential buildings that have been illegally converted into religious houses, club houses, lounges, and bars without the required approval for a change of use.
The notice aims to address the distortion of the state’s master plan, particularly in residential areas where unauthorized conversions have occurred, posing security concerns and violating safety guidelines.
NEWSTODAYNG gathered that the move is part of the broader efforts by the Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu led administration to sanitize the state and uphold the planned land-use structure.
Gbolahan Oki, the General Manager of the Lagos State Building Control Agency (LASBCA), highlighted the disregard for regulatory provisions, emphasizing that the conversion of residential areas into clubhouses and worship centers constitutes a nuisance to the environment.
Oki urged property owners to revert such conversions within the stipulated 30-day period to avoid further actions.
The removal notice follows repeated complaints and security concerns related to non-compliance with safety guidelines by club owners and occupants of converted structures.
LASBCA had previously issued statutory enforcement notices to identify non-conforming structures, but many recipients failed to respond or comply.
During the 30-day final notice period, property owners are expected to evict occupants from the illegally converted buildings.
Oki warned that failure to comply would result in the state taking immediate action, including the removal of such buildings at the expense of the owners.